‘Try not to think of him as a babysitter. Think of him as a friend who doesn’t want to talk to you.’

‘What kind of friend is that?’ said Theo suspiciously.

‘The kind you are about to have. Anyway, I’d think you’d be pleased. It’s not everyone who has someone waiting for them outside their tent.’

‘Well, I’m not—did you say tent? Like my own tent?’ She was sitting up now, eyes sparkling. ‘I’m getting’ my own tent? Really?’

‘As you pointed out some time ago, you are no longer a child. I think you’re old enough to have your own tent, if you can take care of it and keep it clean and tidy on your own.’

‘Cool! Cool!’ She was almost shouting—she was that excited. ‘’Course I will! I’ll keep it super-tidy—you’ll see!’

‘And of course, have Marcus around—just to see that you do,’ said Father, relentlessly driving home his advantage.

‘Sure! Sure!’ She’d have promised him her firstborn if he’d asked.

‘All right then. Why don’t you go to the supplies tent and pick out one you like. Ask them to help you set it up. And—’ He stopped, she had already sped out of the tent.

Castor frowned. ‘Really, Father, is this wise? Shouldn’t we keep her close so—’

‘No, Castor,’ said Father. ‘We cannot fight her and keep her safe at the same time. Her recent disappearance should teach us this. The child is now at an age where she will not be told, and it is better to give her some space here than have her run away again to seek it somewhere else. I think if we give her a little freedom, she might not be so inclined to resist us if and when we need to place other … curbs on her for her safety.’

‘As you say, Father,’ murmured Castor. ‘Although—’

‘No, Castor, my decision is final.’

‘As you wish, Father.’

Albert looked from one of them to the other. What was it about the girl? Everyone seemed quite obsessed with her safety. ‘Is she in danger?’

‘What—No, Albert. Theo is not in any danger. And we hope she will not be,’ said Father.

‘But why—’

‘Perhaps you would do well to remember that you are here to answer questions, not ask them,’ said Castor smilingly.

‘There will be time enough for questions, Castor,’ said Father. ‘Marcus, should I have a tent set up for you near Theo’s?’

Marcus shook his head. ‘No, I prefer it in the open.’

‘At least let me send you some bedding. It is cold at night.’

‘I will manage what I need.’

‘As you wish. Now, let us get back to the matter at hand. What exactly happened today?’

‘It is merely the latest bungled job by the force,’ drawled Castor, leaning back on his cushion.